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Architectural Cei l ing Domes

Another quality company by McLaughlin Manufacturing www.architecturalceilingdomes.com

(800) 784-6478

DOME INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

If the dome is installed in either a ceiling/floor structure or ceiling/roof structure that utilizes either engineered trusses or engineered lumber products, a structural engineer must be consulted prior to framing the new opening for the dome. It is the builder’s responsibility to ensure the structural integrity of the ceiling system. Thank you for purchasing our dome. Compared to other manufacturers this is the least labor-intensive system of installation. It is simple, has no repairs and we provide the parts you will need. If you have suggestions or modifications to these instructions please forward them to info@architecturalceingdomes.com. Bill of Materials: (1) dome (4) “Z” brackets (4) ! - 20 lock nuts (4) ! - 20 standard nuts (8) flat washers (8) 1” No. 10 pan head Phillips wood screws (4) 6“ X ! - 20 all thread bolts

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A B C MAX. ROPE

ITEM NO. SHAPE OUTSIDE ROUGH OPENING MEDALLION LIGHT

WILTON DIM. OPENING DEPTH SIZE LENGTH

XD20 Round 40.25 36.5 7.25 10”

XD22 Round 52.25 49.5 15 10”

XD30 Round 65.125 60.75 12.75 14”

XD31 Round 77.375 75.5 16.5 18”

XD40 Round 89.25 84.75 14.75 20”

XD60 Elliptical 41 X 54 35.5 X 48.5 7.5 10”

XD70 Elliptical 58.75 X 78 54 X 73.5 10.25 14”

RONDEL

XD23 Round 41.875 36.5 7.25 10”

XD33 Round 65.75 60.75 12.75 14”

XD63 Elliptical 41 X 54 35.5 X 48.5 8 10”

XD73 Elliptical 58.75 X 78 54 X 73.5 10.25 14”

COVE LIGHTING

XD20C Plain Round 42 36.5 6.25 10” 10‘

XD22C Plain Round 54 49.5 14 10” 12’

XD30C Plain Round 67 60.75 11.75 14” 16’

XD21C Decorative Rd. 78.625 73.5 15.5 18” 20’

XD50C Plain Round 78.625 73.5 15.5 18” 20’

XD40C Plain Round 91.25 84.75 13.75 20” 22’

XD60C Plain Elliptical 43 X 56 35.5 X 48.5 6.5 10” 12’

XD70C Plain Elliptical 61 X 80 54 X 73.5 9.25 14” 18’

WESLEY RIMLESS

XD25 Round 35.875 36 7.25 10”

XD26 Round 47 3/8 47 5/8 15 10”

XD35 Round 60 60.25 12.75 14”

XD36 Round 72 72 3/8 15 " 18”

XD45 Round 84 84.75 14.75 20”

Draw the rough opening and cut the drywall The cardboard shipping box makes a good material for a template.

Reduce the shape by a set back of at least 2 inches so the drywall is under the dome flange. Using string, a nail and pencil works well for round domes. In new construction install drywall prior to installing the dome. Remove insulation in the attic over the area where the dome and framing will reside. Score the cut line with a trim knife so the outside paper surface of the drywall does not tear when the circle falls. Use a Saber saw or drywall saw to cut away the dome circle.

The tolerances on the rough opening are loose. Where you can go wrong is to make the rough opening too small.

This might prevent dome flange from going up tight against the ceiling. You are better off adding an inch to the rough opening then subtracting an inch. You can always add shims to the joists to close up the opening.

3 Add “T” supports outside of where the joists will be cut, extending over onto the joists that will remain. Make sure all

the joists are firmly attached to the T. Using screws instead of nails will assure the best support.

Mark and cut away the joists. You will be adding back facing joists so account for that when calculating the finished

rough opening. (A reciprocating saw works best in making these cuts.)

Framing: Build the rough opening with doubled up ceiling joists. The objective is to transfer the load of cut joists to full-

length joists. 45 degree diagonal bracing can be added to the corners for additional strength. If your framing is oversize (bigger than the rough opening) spacer’s can be added to reduce the size. The dome flange will extend past and rest on the drywall. The dome shape is very strong, but if you are installing a particularly heavy chandelier it is advisable to transfer the weight to the roof or a wooden frame erected over the center of the dome. Consult a structural engineer as required.

Preparing the dome: The following should be performed on the ground:

• For a chandelier or light fixture drill a hole in the center of the dome for the wiring and electrical box. There is a small mark on the inside of the dome that marks the center.

• Finishing and Painting Instructions: The dome is manufactured with fiberglass and polyester resin, the same as a motorboat. The finish coating is ceiling white gelcoat. It can be washed with soap and water or any paint solvent. Most installers do not paint the dome. If you wish to change the color or add a mural, lightly sand the surface with fine grit sandpaper (80 to 220 grit). Apply any quality latex, oil base or lacquer paint. A better solution to adding color is to have us make the dome the color you want in the first place for a small extra charge. For Cove Light Domes the millwork trim joints, repairs and gaps should be caulked with spackling compound and painted with Latex paint. No primer is required.

Assemble the attachment hardware on the ground as shown with the Z brackets loosely fitted. For Safety in all cases use a lock nut and washer (or 2 jam nuts) where the threaded rod exits the permanent built-in brackets. Turn and tape the “Z” bracket assemblies inward toward the center of the dome so they clear the rough

4 opening. The 6-inch bolts are long enough to work with 2 X 4’s thru 2 X 8’s joists. Larger joists will require ! inch all-thread cut to suit (not provided). While we think the bracket system is easiest to use, builders also use:

• Wire hangers to the dome brackets and even turnbuckles • Unistrut slotted angle suspended from structure above is also used.

CAUTION: Lifting the dome in place requires at least 3 workers: Two to lift the dome and one above the ceiling to secure the Z brackets. Warning: Do not step or climb on installed dome. Lift and attach the dome into the ceiling opening. Rotate the dome so that the bolts and Z brackets are aligned

with the center of the 4 ceiling joists. You can also lift the dome with a pulley system attached to the roof rafters. Note: The hole to power the rope lighting should be turned toward the source. With the “Z” brackets flush against the ceiling joist, screw the eight wood screws through the holes provided into the joists.

Tighten the top nuts sequentially to lift the dome creating a rim to ceiling fit. Do not over tighten. For rimless domes the framing must be very accurate as the dome is secured by drilling through the dome from

the inside and screwing the dome directly to the joist. Shims can be used to take up space between the dome and joists. 45 degree diagonal bracing is mandatory to provide additional attachment points. Screw holes should be finished out with Bondo then sanded. Final finish with standard drywall techniques.

For lay-in or suspended ceilings, thread construction wire through the built-in brackets. Attach the wire to suspended

ceiling supports. When in place, the acoustical ceiling tiles will rest on the top edge of the dome flange. Caulk the gaps between the ceiling and dome. 13. Wire chandelier or rope lighting: Hookup power to the dome for electrical components.